Collapsible infant&#39;s chair



y 10, 55 G. D. GIBSON 2,707,987

COLLAPSIBLE INFANTS CHAIR Filed Nov. 15, 1952 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fm;- mmwm. m

/4 W 5 I r 7? m z I. I n 'llll ii May 10, 1955 s. D'. GIBSON COLLAPSIBLE INEANT'S CHAIR Filed Nov. 15, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 CGLLAPSIBLE INFANTS CHAIR Glenn D. Gibson, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application November 15, 1952, Serial No. 320,742

9 Claims. -(Ci. 155-78) This invention relates to infants chairs. More particularly, it relates to infants chairs of the type having no vertical legs for supporting the same and being foldable into collapsed position. I

It is a general object of my invention to provide a novel and improved infants chair of cheap and simple construction.

A more specific object is to provide a novel and improved infants chair which can be cheaply manufactured and is collapsible into substantially a single plane.

Another object is to provide a collapsible infants chair which can be cheaply manufactured and which is unsupported from the floor and which is so constructed that the movement of a single part thereof to folded or collapsed position will cause the entire chair to fold into substantially the same plane.

Another object is to provide a collapsible infants chair having no upright supporting legs and being collapsible into substantially a single plane.

Another object is to provide a collapsible infants chair which may be supported by a table regardless of whether the table has a table leg directly in front of the point at which it is desired to secure the chair thereto.

Another object is to provide a collapsible infants chair constructed to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the child into and out of the chair while it is supported by a table.

Another object is to provide an infants chair which can be supported by a conventional table with the infant therein and which is constructed to obviate any danger of the infants chair tipping over.

Another object is to provide a collapsible infants chair which will engage the supporting table more securely the harder the infant pushes against the table and the heavier the infant is.

Another object is to provide a collapsible infants chair which may be made entirely of light weight metal and can be manufactured very simply and cheaply.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will more fully appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in extended position;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the same in collapsed position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of my invention; and

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of my invention.

One embodiment of my invention may include, as shown in Figs. l-3, chair structure indicated generally as 6 and having a seat member 7 and a back member 8. As shown, the seat member is comprised of a panel 7a which is supported by wooden bars 7b at each of its 2,707,987 Patented May it), 1955 sides. The back member 8 is similarly constructed and comprised of a panel member 8a and upright wooden bars 8b. For the purposes of the invention, these members 8a and 8b and 7a and 7b may properly be considered to constitute a back member 8 and a seat member 7. It is obvious, of course, that the back member 8 and the seat member 7 can be constructed integrally of metal or some other similar material if desired. The back member 8 is pivotally connected at its lower end portion to the rear end of the seat member 7 by bolts 9 at each of its sides so that the back member may swing forwardly to an overlying position with respect to the seat member 7. When this is done, the back member 8 lies in a plane substantially contiguous to the plane of the seat member.

Extending forwardly from the forwardmost portions of the seat member 7 and from opposite sides of the seat member, is a pair of leg members 10 and 11. These leg members extend forwardly a substantial distance so that when the chair is in use they will extend forwardly beneath the table a substantial distance toward the center thereof as best shown in Fig. 2 where the table is designated by the numeral 12. As shown, the leg members 10 and 11 are actually extensions of the side bars 7b but it will be readily appreciated that these may be separate elements and for practical purposes with respect to function they are separate members.

Pivotally secured to the upper and side portions of the back member 8 by bolts 13 and 14 is a pair of forwardly extending arms 15 and 16. Each of these arms has a resilient pad such as 17 secured to the undersurface of the forwardmost portions thereof so as to adapt the same to engage the top surface of the table 12 when the chair is in use. As can best be seen in Fig. 2, these arms 15 and 16 extend forwardly to a point well beyond the forwardmost portion of the seat member 7 and are pivotally connected by the bolts 13 and 14 to permit them to swing in a vertical plane parallel to the leg members 10 and 11.

Pivotally connected by bolts 18 and 19 to the medial portions of the arms 15 and 16 is a pair of link members 20 and 21. These link members 20 and 21 extend downwardly outside the seat member 7 and are pivotally secured to the side portions thereof by bolts 22 and 23. Each of these links 20 and 21 extends downwardly beyond the seat portion a substantial distance as shown in Fig. 2, and the lower end portions thereof are connected by a cross pin 24.

Extending transversely of the legs 1t and 11 and connecting the forward end portions thereof is a cross arm 25. This cross arm 25 is provided with a bolt 26 which extends through the cross arm and is provided with a wing nut 27 which secures a bracer leg 28 to the cross arm. This bracer leg has a vertically extending slot through Which the bolt 26 extends to make the bracer leg vertically adjustable relative to the cross arm. The bracer leg carries a vacuum cup 29 at its upper end portion, this vacuum cup being adapted to engage the underside of the table 12 and positively secure itself thereto.

Journaled on the medial portion of the cross pin 24 and extending forwardly and upwardly is a second rigid link 30 which is pivotally connected at its forward end by a pivot pin 31 to the medial portion of the bracer leg 28. This rigid link 30 serves to fixedly hold the bracer arm in upright position when the chair is in use and in extended position as shown in Fig. 2.

Pivotally secured to the medial portion of the leg members 1t) and 11 and depending therefrom is a pair of hangers 32 and 33. These hanger members are pivotally connected by pins 34 and 35 to a pair of support bars such as 36 which in turn have their rearward end pontions journaled upon the cross pin 24. A foot panel 37 is secured at its ends to the lower surface of each of the support bars 36 to provide a foot rest for the infant.

The length of the link 30 is sufiicient to maintain the bracer arm in fixed upright position when the chair is extended. When the back member is moved forwardly toward folded position, the cross pin 24 is of course swung rearwardly and the upper portion of the bracer member 28 is caused to pivot rearwardly by the link 38. The lengths of the links 20, 21 and 30 are suflicient that when the back 8 has moved to overlying position with respect to the seat member 7, the bracer member 28 will extend substantially contiguous to the leg members 10 and 11 and lie therebetween. The entire chair when collapsed appears as shown in Fig. 3 and extends in substantially a single plane so as to permit the same to be readily stored in small compass and to facilitate the carrying of the same.

In use, the chair is drawn out to extended position as shown in Fig. 2. Prior to inserting the child into the chair, only the forwardmost portions of the arms and i6 are permitted to register with the top surface of the table and the suction cup 29 engages the bottom surface of the table 12 in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 2 but in a different position. The child is then inserted from above so that its weight will rest upon the seat member 7 and then the entire chair and child is slid forwardly so that the arms 15 and 16 will rest upon the top surface of the table in the position shown in Fig. 2. Thereafter, the heavier the child the more firmly the suction cup 29 will grip the bottom surface of the table 12 and the more securely the chair will be attached to the table. if the child pushes against the table it increases the downward pressure upon the seat member 7 and again the chair is even more securely attached to the table 12. Thus it can be seen that there is no possibility of the chair becoming detached from the table 12 through movements of the infant.

When it is desired to remove the child, the entire chair may be lifted and moved rearwarclly to a position similar to that of the chair relative to the table when the child was inserted and the infant may be lifted upwardly therefrom. The chair may then be quickly and easily dotached from the table 12 and moved to collapsed or folded position by simply pushing the back member 8 forwardly. Such action causes the link members to bring the arms 17 forwardly and downwardly to lie in a plane contiguous to the plane of the leg members 11 and causes the link member 30 to draw the bracer leg 23 rearwardly so that the entire structure folds into substantially a single plane. Thus it can be readily seen that l have provided a legless collapsible infants chair which may be secured to the table in an improved manner and which may be collapsed completely in. a single operation into substantially a single plane so that the entire chair may be readily transported without great inconvenience. It is anticipated that the advantages of this chair will be especially important to restaurant owners and the like where more than one chair is required when a minimum of space is available for storage of the same when not in use.

it should be noted that my chair may be manufactured quite simply and cheaply and it is extremely simple to use. In addition, it provides a means for securing an infant at a handy position relative to the other members of the family eating at the table and secures the infant without. danger of the chair tipping over and injuring the child.

Fig. 4- is a perspective view of a second embodiment of my invention and is a modification of the embodiment shown in Figs. l--3. It includes a seat member 46 and a back member 4i pivotally connected as at 42 to the rear end portion of the seat member so that it may fold forwardly to overlying position and in a contiguous plane. It is provided with a pair of forwardly extending arms and 4-3 having resilient pads 45 and 46 similar to those upon the arms 15 and 16. The medial portions of the arms 43 and 4-; are pivotally connected by links 47 and 48 to the seat member 40 by pins such as 49 to permit the arms 43 and 44 to move to parallel and superimposed registering relation with respect to the legs 50 and 51 which extend forwardly from the seat member 49. The forward end portions of the leg members 50 and 51 are spaced from each other and are not connected. Longitudinally extending slots 50:: and Sin are formed in the extreme forward end portions of these legs, and bolts 5.. and 53 secure upright leg members 54 and 55 thereto. These leg members have longitudinally extending slots 54a and 55a to make them vertically adjustable and each carries a suction cup 56 or 57 at its upper end. it can be readily seen that the leg members 54 and 55 are vertically adjustable and are also adjustable longitudinally of the leg members 50 and 51. This particular embodiment of my invention is especially adapted for use in conjunction with the type of table frequently found in restaurants in a booth or similar arrangement where there is a leg member provided for the table at the end of the table. Frequently this is the position where parents desire to secure the infants chair and with this particular embodiment it is possible to attach the chair directly onposite the leg of the table, the leg of the table extending inwardly between the legs 50 and 51 of the chair. in other respects, the use of the chair is exactly similar to that of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 3 with the exccption that the vertical legs 54 and 55 must be manually moved to parallel position relative to the table leg. This embodiment, however, may be folded into substantially a single plane as can be readily appreciated through study of Fig. 4. In such position, the links 47 and 48 extend parallel and outside the legs 50 and Si.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of my invention wherein there is a seat member 6%) pivotally connected at its rearward end portion by hinges 61 to a back member 62. This back member is provided with open and upwardly facing brackets 63 and 64 at its opposite sides with are adapted to receive generally U- shaped arm members 65 and 66 therewithin. These U- shaped arm members are made of tubular metal and have resilient sleeves 67 and 68 extending over their forward and upper end portions. Their lower end portions 69 and 7e are connected to the side portions of the seat member 60 as a result of the extreme side portions of the seat member being bent downwardly and then inwardly around the end portions 69 and 7% as at 71. As shown in Fig. 5, these lower end portions extend forwardly slightly beyond the forward edge of the seat member 60 and the portion 69 carries a set screw 72 thereon.

Mounted within the lower and forward end portions 69 and of the U-shaped arms 65 and 66 in telescopic relation is a pair of leg members '73 and 74. These leg members are rigid and extend forwardly from the side portions of the seat member a substantial dst 'l TC beyond the forward and upper end portions of the 65 and 66. A round cross arm connects the forward ends of these legs 73 and 74 and is provided with a pair of laterally spaced pins 76 and 77 which extend through the cross arm so as to protrude from opposite sides thereof.

Mounted on the cross arm 75 in free sliding relation is a pair of sleeves indicated generally as 73 and 79. These sleeves have portions thereof cut away so as to leave outwardly extending tongues 73!! and 791, the distance between the bases of the tongues being equal to the distance between the protruding portions of the pins 76 and 77 around the exterior surface of the cross; arm. These tongues 78a and 7% serve to hold the sleeves 78 and 79 snugly against rotation relative to the cross arm 75 when the sleeves are slid outwardly away from each other as far as they can go, When desired, the sleeves may he slid toward each other until they abut whereupon the tongue portions 78a and 79a will be inwardly of the pins 76 and 77.

Fixedly mounted on the sleeves 78 and 79 is a pair of rigid bracer legs 80 and 61 each of which carries a vacuum cup 82 or 83 at the upper end thereof.

In use, this third embodiment of my invention, as shown in Fig. 5, is used in a manner similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 13. it differs, however, with respect to the manner in which it will collapse. To collapse this embodiment, the back portion 62 is swung forwardly toward overlying position with respect to the seat member 6% whereupon the brackets 63 and 64 disengage the arm members 65 and 66 so that the latter may pivot freely in a vertical plane transversely of the leg members 73 and 74. When the back member 62 has been moved to completely collapsed position where it lies in overlying relation to the seat member 6i) in a plane contiguous to the plane of the seat member, the arms 65 and 66 may be swung toward each other toward folded position. length and height than the other so that the other arm 66 may swing just rearwardly thereof so that the two arms will fold over each other into nested position with the resilient sleeves 67 and 68 in flat abutting relation with respect to the sides of the back member 62. The bracer legs 8% and 81 can be swung into the same plane as the seat member 60 by moving the sleeves '78 and 79 toward each other so that the tongues 78a and 79a will swing clear of the lock pins 76 and 77. Thus it can be readily seen that the entire chair can be quickly and easily folded into substantially the same plane throughout its length so that the chair may be folded and stored in small compass, This particular embodiment is especially welladapted as an article of manufacture for it can be produced very simply and cheaply with a light weight metal which will make the entire device very highly desirable. It can be readily seen that the length of the legs 73 and 74- can be adjusted by loosening the set screw 72 to permit relative longitudinal movement between the legs 73 and 74 and the forward and lower end portions 653 and 70 of the arms 65 and 66.

Thus it can be seen that I have provided a novel and improved infants chair readily collapsible into a single plane which will positively eliminate danger of the child tipping the chair over backwardly and which may be stored very quickly and easily in a closet, automobile or a similar storage place where it is important that the objects being stored be as compact as possible. it can be readily seen that this third embodiment of my invention is especially well-adapted for cheap manfacture on a large production basis and at a minimum of cost.

It will be course be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

What I claim is:

1. A folding infants chair readily foldable while assembled into a substantially single plane and comprising a seat member, a back member swingably connected to said seat member and swingable to a closely overlying position relative to said seat member, a pair of rigid arms extending forwardly from the side and upper portions of said back member to extend over the top side of a table and engage the same, said arms being connected with said seat portion and readily swingable relative thereto while the chair is assembled to a position where they lie in a plane closely overlying said seat member, a pair of rigid leg members connected to said seat member and extending forwardly therefrom to a point well beyond the forward ends of said arms, and bracer mechanism pivotally connected to the forward portions of said leg members and extending upwardly relative thereto when in use to engage the underside of a table while said arms engage the top side thereof, said bracer mechanism being pivotable to One of these arms 65 is slightly shorter in a position where it extends contiguous to the plane of said seat member.

2. A folding infants chair foldable into a substantially single plane and comprising a seat member, a back member pivotally connected to said seat member and pivotable to a closely overlying position relative to said seat member, a pair of rigid arms extending forwardly from the side and upper portions of said back member to extend over the top side of a table and engage the same, said arms being swingable relative to said seat member to a position where they lie in a plane substantially parallel and contiguous to the plane of said seat member, a pair of rigid legs connected to the side portions of said seat member and extending forwardly therefrom to a point well beyond the forward ends of said arms, bracer means pivotally connected to the forward portions of said legs and extending upwardly relative thereto when in use to engage the under side of a table while said arms engage the top side thereof, said bracer means being pivotable to a position where it extends contiguous to the plane of said seat member, and linkage mechanism interconnecting said legs, arms and bracer means and simultaneously controlling the relative movements of the same to cause the entire chair to fold into a substantially single plane when said back member is pivoted to a position where it lies in a plane substantially contiguous to the plane of said seat member.

3. A folding infants chair foldable into a substantially single plane and comprising a seat member, a back member swingably connected to said seat member and swingable to an overlying position relative thereto where it lies in a plane substantially contiguous to the plane of said seat member, a pair of rigid arms extending forwardly from the side and upper portions of said back member to extend over the top side of a table and engage the same, said arms being swingable relative to said seat member to a position where they lie in a plane substantially parallel and contiguous to the plane of said seat member, a pair of rigid legs connected to said seat member and extending forwardly therefrom to a point well beyond the forward ends of said arms, bracer means pivotally connected to the forward portions of said legs and extending upwardly relative thereto when in use to engage the underside of a table while said arms engage the top side thereof, said bracer means being pivotable to a posihold said bracer means in fixed upright position relative to said legs when the chair is in use.

4. A folding infants chair foldable into a substantially single plane and comprising chair structure having pivotally connected back and seat portions, the back portion of said chair structure being pivotable to a position where it lies in a plane contiguous to the plane of said seat portion, a pair of rigid arms pivotally connected to the upper corners of said back portion and extending forwardly therefrom to extend over the top side of a table and engage the same, a pair of legs connected to opposite sides of said seat portion and extending forwardly therefrom, to a point well beyond the forward ends of said arms, bracer means pivotally connected to the forward end portions of said legs and extending upwardly relative thereto when in use to engage the underside of a table while said arms engage the top side thereof, and linkage mechanism separate from said connections connecting said arms with said legs and said bracer means and causing said legs, arms and bracer means to pivot substantially contiguous to the plane of said back portion when the latter is pivoted to folded position.

5. A folding infants chair foldable into substantially a single plane and comprising chair structure having pivotally connected back and seat portions, the back portions of said chair structure being pivotable to an overlying position relative to said seat portion and in a plane contiguous to the plane of said seat portion, a pair of rigid arms pivotally connected to said back portion adjacent its upper corners and extending forwardly therefrom to a point forward of said seat portion to extend over the top side of a table and engage the same, a pair of legs connected to the opposite sides of said seat portions and extending forwardly therefrom to a point well beyond the forward ends of said arms, bracer means pivotally mounted between the forward end portions of said legs for pivotal movement in a vertical plane between said legs and extending upwardly relative thereto when in use to engage the underside of a table while said arms engage the top side thereof, and linkage mechanism interconnecting said arms, legs and bracer means and simultaneously controlling the relative movements of the same, said linkage mechanism including a pair of link members pivotally connected to the medial portions of said arms and to each side of said seat portion, and extending downwardly relative to its associated leg, a cross member extending between the lower end portions of said link members, and a second and rigid link member enitending between said cross member and said bracer means and being pivotally connected to each, said second link member being of such length as to cause said bracer means to stand upright relative to said legs when said back portion is in upright position for use whereby said bracer means will be pivoted rearwardly toward said seat portion and substantially contiguous to the plane thereof when said back portion is pivoted forwardly to overlying position relative to said seat portion.

6. A folding infants chair foldable into a substantially single plane and comprising a seat member, a back member swingably connected to said seat member and swingable to a position where it lies in a plane substantially contiguous to the plane of said seat member, a pair of rigid arms extending forwardly from the side and upper portions of said back member to a point forward of said seat member to extend over the top side of a table and engage the same, said arms being swingable relative to said seat member to a position where they lie in a plane substantially parallel and contiguous to the plane of said seat member, a. pair of rigid legs connected to said seat member and extending forwardly therefrom to a point well beyond the forward ends of said arms, bracer means pivotally mounted between the forward end portions of said legs for pivotal movement in a vertical plane between said legs to a position where it extends in a plane contiguous to the plane of said seat member and extending upwardly relative to said legs when in use to engage the underside of a table while said arms engage the top side thereof, a pair of link members each pivotally connected at their upper end portion to the medial portion of one of said arms and extending downwardly therefrom, each of said link members being pivotally connected to opposite sides of said seat members and each extending downwardly to a point thercbelow, a cross member extending between the lower end portions of said link members, a second link member extending between said cross member and said bracer means, said second link member being pivots. ly connected with said bracer means to permit pivotal movement therebctween, said second link member being of such length as to positively and fixedly hold said braccr means in upright position relative to said legs when said back member is in upright position and functioning to draw said breccr means rearwardly contiguous to the plane of said seat member and said arms when said back member is swung to overlying and contiguous position relative to said seat member.

7. A folding infants chair foldable into substantially a single plane and comprising a seat member, a back member swingably connected to said seat member and swingable to an overlying position relative thereto in a plane substantially contiguous to the plane of said seat member, a pair of rigid arms extending forwardly from the side and upper portions of said back member to a point well forward of said seat member to extend over the top side of a table and engage the same, said arms being swingable relative to said seat member to a position where they lie in a plane substantially parallel and contiguous to the plane of said seat member, a pair of laterally spaced rigid legs connected to said seat member and extending forwardly therefrom to a point well beyond the forward ends of said arms, the forward end portions of said legs being disconnected relative to each other, and a pair of braccr legs, one of said bracer legs being pivotally mounted upon the forward end portion of each of said first mentioned legs for pivotal movement in a vertical plane parallel to said seat extension legs, said bracer legs being pivotable rearwardly substantially contiguous to the plane of said seat member, and a pair of link members each being pivotally connected to one of said arms and to opposite sides of said seat member and being of such length as to cause said arms to move into a plane substantially parallel and contiguous to said seat extension legs when said back member is swung to overlying position.

8. A folding infants chair foldable into a substantially single plane and comprising a seat member, a back member swingably connected to said seat member and swingable to an overlying position relative thereto into a plane substantially contiguous to the plane of said seat member, a pair of ri id parallel legs extending forwardly from opposite sides of said seat member, a pair of generally U- shaped arm members connected to opposite sides of said seat member and with said legs in telescoping relation thereto and extending forwardly thereabove to engage the top side of a table when in use, said arm members being pivotable in a vertical plane transverse to said legs, brace means pivotally connected to the forward portions of said legs and extending upwardly relative thereto when in use to engage the underside of a table while said arms engage the top side thereof, said bracer means being pivotable into a plane contiguous to that in which said seat member extends, said back member having arm engaging elements at each of its sides each adapted to engage one of said arms to hold the same in substantially the same vertical plane as its associated leg, said arm members being each foldable inwardly toward each other in overlying position relative to said back member to cause the entire chair to fold into substantially a single plane.

9. A folding infants chair foldable into a substantially single plane and comprising a seat member, a back member swingably connected to said seat member and swingable to an overlying position relative thereto into a plane substantially contiguous to the plane of said seat member, a pair of arm engaging brackets secured to the opposite sides of said back member, a pair of rigid legs extending forwardly from opposite sides of said seat member, bracer means pivotally connected to the forward portions of said leg members and extending upwardly relative thereto when in use to engage the underside of a table and being pivotable in a vertical plane parallel to said leg members to a position contiguous to the plane of said seat member, and a pair of generally U-shaped arm members telescopically connected to said leg members and extending rearwardly therefrom and being pivotable thereto in a vertical plane transverse to said leg members, to a position abutting the sides of said back member in position for said bracket members to engage the same and hold the same in fixed position relative to said back member and said seat member, said arms extending forwardly from said back member when in such position to extend over the top side of a table and engage the same while said bracer means engages the underside thereof, said arm members E eing each swingable toward each other into nested position relative to each other and in an overlying position relative to said back member in a plane substantially contiguous thereto when said back member is swung to overlying position relative to said seat member whereby the entire chair may be folded into substantially a single plane.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

